Shamrock Rovers beat Derry at Tallaght Stadium

Celebrations after Rovers second goal

By Paul Carton

Daniel Carr gave an impressive display for Shamrock Rovers at the Tallaght stadium on Friday night as they beat Derry City 2-0. This result puts Rovers in 4th position, three points ahead of Derry but a good 20 points below table toppers Dundalk and second place Cork City. If there was a game that showed a divide of quality within the league this was it. Derry didn’t see much of the ball as the Rovers midfield controlled and passed the ball with confidence. An outstanding performance from Rovers forward Carr showed why Rovers signed the London born lad earlier this year. Carr (24) who has spent most of his time in non-league football signed with Huddersfield Utd but didn’t see much game time there. Rovers Coach Bradley was informed of Daniels abilities by a former a team mate of his and watched video footage of him before bringing him in for pre- season matches in the Atlantic cup before they both agreed on his contract with Rovers. Carr had many chances to score in the first half as he took advantage of a weak Derry defence but never got to finish the job. Frustration was setting in early for Carr but in the last minute of the first half a pass played behind Carr gave him the opportunity to turn his defender and rocket the ball to the upside of the net. Carr gave the fans an extra reason to celebrate as his cartwheel and somersault celebration was as flawless as his finish. The second scorer for Rovers was Joel Coustrain who seemed to be lost in the first half but redeemed himself quickly and was substituted after his goal to a loud applause. Derry’s forward Rory Patterson received some criticism from a group of Derry fans late in the game that didn’t sit well with him. Rory made it his point to approach these fans at the end of the game from the pitch. The fans almost seemed apologetic to big Rory as he questioned their attitude towards him. The heat must have been still intense out there at Tallaght Stadium as water breaks were allowed both in the first and second halves. It was obvious at the second water break that Derry players were running out of ideas as they held their palms helplessly out to their coach .